§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has had with the Government of Montserrat regarding conditions on the Island of Montserrat and the need for some residents to relocate to the United Kingdom. [108758]
§ Clare ShortThe Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State last met with the Montserrat Chief Minister during the October 1999 Consultative Council meetings in London. Senior officials visit the island regularly.
In October 1997, my Department approved £1.6 million for the Assisted Passage Scheme, which met the cost of flights and onward travel costs of those people who chose to relocate to the UK. DFID also finances an Evacuee Return Air Fare Scheme for those wishing to return to Montserrat.